Ryan J. DiLisi

Praised by the San Diego Union-Tribune for showing “a remarkable degree of both subtlety and insistence,” Ryan J. DiLisi was appointed Principal Timpanist of the San Diego Symphony in October of 2010. Prior to joining, DiLisi held the position of Principal Timpanist with the Symphony in C, and Assistant Timpanist with the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra. Additional career highlights include performances with the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Pittsburgh Symphony, the Mainly Mozart Festival Orchestra and the New World Symphony.

At the age of 17, DiLisi won the Albert M. Greenfield Competition, which led to his solo performance with the Philadelphia Orchestra. He has also performed as a soloist with the San Diego Symphony, the San Diego State University Wind Ensemble and the New England Conservatory Percussion and Wind Ensembles.

A native of Southern New Jersey, DiLisi began his formal studies with Don Liuzzi, Principal Timpanist of the Philadelphia Orchestra. He earned his Bachelor of Music Performance from New England Conservatory, studying under Will Hudgins, Principal Percussionist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He then continued his studies with Alan Abel, Philadelphia Orchestra Percussionist, earning his Master of Music Performance from the Boyer College of Music at Temple University.

During his free time, Ryan enjoys spending every moment with his beautiful wife Katie and their two handsome boys.